I asked a famous Italian winemaker how she had chosen the wine and food pairing for a special dinner. She laughed and said: “Don’t be silly, you shouldn’t pair wine with food; pair wine with an affair, a situation. I chose this wine because we’re strangers and this wine is complex enough to create conversation.” With this romantic notion in mind, here is your guide to pairing wine with whatever holiday affair you have ahead...

Meeting the Family | Dinner with the In-Laws

Photo courtesy of Charles Krug

Choose a quality wine with a relevant story. Charles Krug Generations($50) is perfect in family situations, as everything from the name of the wine to the history associated with Krug (the first winery in Napa Valley and original Mondavi property) will open the door to conversations about family and history.

Ca’ Momi’s Merlot and Cab is also family made. They also have a fantastic restaurant you can visit with your family.   

Holiday Breakup

Photo courtesy of Hourglass

Look for a bold wine that doesn't break the bank and shows that you valued the relationship. Hourglass Blueline Merlot($75) fits the bill because it’s reasonably priced, classy, and the name lends itself to a conversation about the sands of time and other analogies for the end of a relationship.

Alternately, consider an Inniskillin Ice Wine. They're tough to pair, but sweet and balanced. 

Holiday Makeup

Photo courtesy of Parallel 

Parallel wines Black Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon ($125) is velvety and as smooth as you should be if you’re trying to make amends. We also recommend O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon ($80) because this sexy wine tastes of chocolate, roses and spice.

Holiday Potluck | Gathering with Friends

Photo courtesy of Amici

Go with a food-friendly conversation starter that is reasonably priced because you won't know what else will be on the table (or if you'll get a sip of it). TryAmici Cellars Napa Cabernet ($40), it pairs easily and “Amici” means “friends.” 

Copain’s  “Les Voisins” Pinot Noir($42) is another easy pairing and it's apropriate as the French name means “neighbors.”

Trying to Impress | Dinner with the Boss

Photo courtesy of Duxoup

Spend the bucks on a cult wineor try something unusual and new. Few have heard of "Gamay Noir" or tried Duxoup’s Gamay Noirfrom Dry Creek ($15) so you can surprise with a classy, local curveball. Your bases are covered with dusty notes and softness found in older wines and the vibrancies of a fruity Pinot Noir.

An affordable yet fantastic non-California option is Arnaldo-Caprai Collepiano, Sagrantino di Montefalco ($60).

New Year's Eve

Photo Courtesy of Buena Vista Winery

You can’t go wrong Mumm, Schramsberg, or Gloria Ferrer, but I suggest bubbly from Buena Vista as their sparking wines are fantastic and the haunted history makes for a magical midnight tale.

For posh glitter and shine, go with JCB.